Apple’s new ARKit helps filmmakers use augmented reality

Apple’s new augmented reality feature, the ARKit, could help amateur filmmakers use the tool more accessibly.

That is if you follow in the footsteps of one filmmaker who used the new software, available with the release of iOS 11, in its developmental stage to created this short film.

Augmented reality, alongside the development of virtual reality and 360-degree video, is being embedded more and more into filmmaking.

AR developer and filmmaker Duncan Walker made use of this to create this short experimental film with some CG characters he had already created.

He told The Video Mode: “I have long had the idea to create a digitally animated film, but using a physical camera. It wasn’t until Apple brought out ARKit that I was able to create the tools I wanted for the job.”

He used his iPhone to render his CG characters and used its camera to capture the footage he needed. However, he had to add a few features in order to create his shots, such as zooming, depth of field effects and film grain/distress.

It’s primarily a developer tool, allowing people to build apps using its platform. However, apps to help filmmakers are now already being developed.

Mr Walker added: “At the moment it may be difficult for filmmakers to jump in and start using these kind of tools, mainly because they aren’t available publicly yet or, like my project, require using game development tools.

“But keep an eye on the App Store for any AR apps that seem useful, they are starting to appear already.”